June 15, 2023, Ottawa – Francophone immigration is at the heart of the Government of Canada’s priorities. The country has always been a pioneer in its initiatives aimed at welcoming as many French-speaking nationals as possible, by implementing innovative initiatives to encourage the contribution of newcomers to minority communities and thus maintain the social fabric of our country.

The Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the expansion of the Francophone Mobility Program, for a period of two years, which allows a Canadian employer to make a job offer to an eligible candidate with moderate proficiency in French for all national occupational classifications, except for jobs in primary agriculture. This measure, initially reserved for highly skilled French-speaking temporary foreign workers, now opens the doors to more French-speaking immigrants by offering them the opportunity to gain work experience in Canada and potentially qualify for permanent residence.

The French language proficiency criteria are also updated for all foreign nationals applying for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility Program. The temporary foreign national must have a moderate command of French for oral comprehension and oral expression. This is equivalent to a level 5 language requirement. These new language requirements meet the French language needs for all these professions and will expand the pool of eligible French-speaking foreign nationals.

Additionally, applicants must now provide proof that they meet these language requirements. This documentary proof may be, but is not limited to: a French assessment test or the French skills test, a diploma or degree from a French college or university, or a document confirming studies in a French-speaking establishment.

These changes, which are part of the Francophone Mobility Program, allow the Government of Canada to consolidate its commitment to promoting the country’s demographic growth and economic prosperity. They also make it possible to continue its quest to contribute to the vitality of minority French-speaking communities and to respond to the labor shortage.